Lighting Question: Nova Extreme Pro vs. Tek T5HO vs Outer Orbit

[Hungriee]

I'm researching through various lighting options to upgrade my current setup.

I have a 37G tank (30x12x23) but will be upgrading to a 36" long tank (preferably a 50G breeder) in the next two-three months.

For now, I'm only housing LPS and soft corals with my current Sundial T5 which is minimal lighting for my 37G tank.

As for 36" long lights, I have looked up the Nova Extreme Pro (6x39W), Tek T5HO (6x39W) and the Outer orbit (150W MH, 2x96W PC).

Of these three options, which one will be the best light for the buck? The nova extreme pro is the cheapest of all, but I'm unsure if it will be sufficient lighting for future SPS?

The Tek T5HO is quite expensive after the 6 bulbs thats sold sep along with the brackets. The Outer Orbit is a nice fixture, however I'm not very satsified with the PC atinics.

I am on a budget but would like to hear recommendations on the best light output for a budget buyer.

 

[sassafrass]

Either one of the t-5 lights wiil be enough light for SPS and clams ,the higher light requiring corals should be placed near the top of your tank as that is where they would be in the natural reef'
Lee
PS the t-5's will out perform the outer orbit system and use less power.

 

[abulgin]

I don't think I would go so far as to say the T5s will outperform the HQI. The benefits of the T5s are that they run the length of the tank whereas the HQI has a 24" spread, and you have more bulb/color choices. Actually, on a watt/watt comparison of useable daylight, the HQI has more light because 3 of the T5s are actinic (easily fixable though). I've never looked at the Nova but I seem to remember that it doesn't actually have individual reflectors. The TEK is not an efficient fixture because it runs the bulbs too hot. Honestly, if it were me, i'd do the HQI because I think you get the most bang for your buck. If you wanted to splurge a bit, I would go with the Aquactinics TX-5 fixture.

 

[sassafrass]

I am going by my experience only